Rose Meissner, President

Rose Meissner joined the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County when it was established in 1992. Under her leadership, the Foundation has grown to be one of the top 100 community foundations in the United States. Meissner holds an MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, and a MA in English Literature and a BA in Economics from the University of Notre Dame. 

LaKesha Burton, Program Associate

LaKesha Burton joined the Community Foundation in 2019 as Program Associate. As part of the program team, Burton provides support in multiple aspects of the Foundation’s grantmaking and scholarship work. Burton holds a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Governors State University.

Anita Echevarria, Vice President, Administration

Anita Echevarria joined the Community Foundation in 2002.  As Vice President, Administration, Echevarria is responsible for the Foundation's day-to-day operations including accounting, audit, financial management, information technology, and human resources. Echevarria holds an MBA from Indiana University South Bend and a BBA with a concentration in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame.

Katelyn Firestein, Adminstrative Assistant

Katelyn Firestein has been with the Community Foundation since 2018. She is the main coordinator for the local Imagination Library program’s database, enjoying every opportunity she has to get books into the hands of St. Joseph County children. She holds a BA in Health Communication from Indiana University South Bend.

Becky Malewitz, Donor Services and Events Associate

Becky Malewitz joined the Community Foundation in 2019 as Donor Services and Events Associate. As part of the communications team, Malewitz provides support for events and helps tell the Foundation's stories using her photography and videography skills. Malewitz holds an MA in journalism with a concentration in photojournalism from the University of Montana, and a BA in communications from Valparaiso University.

Laura Moran Walton, Director of Public Relations and Communication

Laura Moran Walton has been with the Community Foundation since 2006. She is responsible for the Foundation's communications, including media contact and publications. Each summer, Moran Walton manages the Community Foundation Performing Arts Series at the Chris Wilson Pavilion. She holds an MA in English Literature from Notre Dame and a BA in English Literature from Grinnell College.

Kayla Myers, Program Officer

Kayla Myers joined the Community Foundation in 2014, and supports the Foundation's efforts in programming and scholarships. Myers holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in Nonprofit Administration and Policy, both from IU South Bend.

Emily Slatt, Senior Program Officer

Emily Slatt has been with the Community Foundation since 2011. She coordinates the Foundation's scholarship funds and supports other aspects of programming as needed. Slatt has a BA in Communication Studies from Saint Mary's College.

Mary Wadsworth, Staff Accountant

Mary Wadsworth has been with the Community Foundation since 2001. Her responsibilities include all accounting functions for the Foundation, and she also provides financial data to the nonprofit organizations with endowed funds at the Foundation. Wadsworth is a graduate of Indiana University with a BS in Accounting.

Angela Workman, Vice President, Program

Angela Workman has been with the Community Foundation since 1999. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Marketing and Psychology, Workman also holds an MA in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). At the Foundation, she oversees program activities and program staff, working closely with the grants processes.